England squad for Nations League matches hit by withdrawals from Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins

The Three Lions will kick off their Nations League campaign against Republic of Ireland at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Saturday, followed by a match against Finland at Wembley three days later.

The double-header marks the start of Lee Carsley’s reign as interim head coach following Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down in the wake of Euro 2024 earlier this summer.

England confirmed that there are currently no plans to replace Palmer, Foden or Watkins in their squad to face the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

‘Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden will play no part in England’s forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures,’ a short FA statement read this evening.

‘The Three Lions squad reported to St George’s Park on Tuesday but, following assessment, both Palmer and Watkins returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues.

‘Foden did not report through illness and is ruled out of the matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland.’

Facing the media at the weekend, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said it was unlikely that Foden would join up with England as the attacking midfielder had come down with an illness.

‘I don’t think so right now,’ Guardiola replied when asked about Foden’s chances of lining up against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

‘I think he will not go but I don’t know. He doesn’t feel well. But national teams, they decide.’

Chelsea star Palmer had appeared on course to win his tenth and 11th caps for England before pulling out of Carsley’s squad.

The 22-year-old scored after coming off the bench in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain and was voted the PFA Young Player of the Year for last term.

This season, Palmer has started all three of Enzo Maresca’s opening league matches in charge of Chelsea, racking up one goal and four assists in the English top flight.

At his opening press conference as England’s caretaker manager, a ‘proud’ Carlsey said he was relishing the challenge of taking over the reins from Southgate.

‘I think it is a real proud moment obviously for my family and myself,’ he told reporters.

‘It has been a really hectic couple of weeks getting my head around the magnitude of the job, getting around to see as many matches as I can.

‘I think it is fair to say the job that Gareth and Steve [Holland] did and the position I am picking the squad up is totally different to when they picked it up.

‘I understand I am in a really privileged position and I am excited to meet up with the players. I thought it was important we put some fresh faces in and put our mark on the squad.’

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